Continuo (1982) – Board Game Guys

Continuo is an abstract strategy game designed by Maureen Hiron, first published in 1982 and now distributed by David Westnedge Ltd. The game has gained popularity and significance for several reasons:Popularity: Continuo sold over 200,000 units in the United Kingdom alone within a few months of being launched.Awards: The game won a 1995 Mensa Select games award.Accessibility: The game is known for its simple yet challenging gameplay, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Game Components of Continuo

42 tiles: Each tile is a 4×4 grid of small colored squares, with an L-shape of one color and a single small square of another color in the corner.

4 colors: Red, green, blue, and yellow are the colors used on the tiles.

Rule card: The entire set of rules is printed on a single card, highlighting the game’s simplicity.

How To Setup Continuo

To set up Continuo, the cards are shuffled and placed face down. The top two cards are drawn and placed face up in the middle of the playing area, matching as many colors as possible. This initial placement sets the stage for the game, where players will aim to extend color chains.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Match colors: Players take turns placing one card at a time, aiming to match colors to create chains.

Score points: Points are scored based on the length of the color chains created. Each square in a chain of the same color earns one point.

Chain requirement: Chains must be horizontal or vertical, not diagonal.

Game end: The game ends when all 42 cards have been placed, and the player with the highest score wins.

Player Experience

Continuo is praised for its blend of skill and luck, making it accessible to players from age 5 to 105. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, as players need to strategize to maximize their score. The game can be played solo or with up to five players, and no two games are the same, adding to its replay value.

Pros

Simple to learn: The rules are straightforward and can be understood in seconds.

High replayability: No two games are the same, ensuring endless fun.

Cross-generational appeal: Suitable for players of all ages.

Portable: The game consists of just 42 small cards, making it easy to carry.

Endorsed by celebrities: Omar Sharif described it as “Simply brilliant – brilliantly simple”.

Cons

Space requirements: The game can take up quite a lot of space on the table as the tiles are placed.

INITIAL CONFUSION: New players might find the initial setup and scoring system a bit confusing until they get the hang of it.

Personal Thoughts on Continuo

Continuo is perfect for anyone looking for a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth. It’s an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and even serious strategy enthusiasts. The game’s ability to transcend language barriers and age gaps makes it a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you’re seeking a game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master, Continuo is an excellent addition to your gaming collection.

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